1. Pronoun Reference – Broad References Using Which and That
Writing Lab
Pronoun Reference – Broad References Using Which and That

2. Reference Errors
Pronouns get their meanings from a specific one- word antecedent (the word to which the pronoun refers), usually a noun or another pronoun.
As such, writers should avoid using “which,” “that,” and “it” to refer to a whole idea or sentence.
The reader may think the pronoun refers to the preceding noun and not to the preceding idea or sentence.

3. Examples
Incorrect: Amber spent a lot of time on the Internet, which her parents disapproved of.
Correct: Amber spent a lot of time on the Internet, a practice which her parents disapproved of.
Correct: Amber’s parents disapproved of her spending a lot of time on the Internet.

4. More Examples
Incorrect: My dad forgot to bring his ratchet set. That did not surprise me.
Correct: My dad forgot to bring his ratchet set, a mistake which did not surprise me.
Also Correct: My dad forgot to bring his ratchet set. His forgetfulness does not surprise me.

5. That’s all, folks!
This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series
Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon
To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson